Anna Shymanski

Account Executive

As an account executive, Anna works primarily with marketing technology clients including Infogroup, PureCars and Episerver. Her day-to-day tasks include developing and executing media outreach strategies, and assisting with client messaging and thought leadership.

Above all, Anna understands that great media relations stems from building great client and reporter relationships. Some of her most notable placements include Forbes, Fortune and Adweek, as well as many marketing trade publications.

A native of Omaha, Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, media and computing from Creighton University, with a specialization in public relations and news. Prior to joining Walker Sands, Anna worked at Swanson Russell, an agriculture and healthcare-focused advertising agency and in the Public, Community and Regional Affairs Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

When Anna isn’t at work, she can usually be found eating cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather’s or re-watching the “Gossip Girl” series for the umpteenth time in her “Kate Spade meets IKEA”-style apartment.

Q&A with Anna Shymanski

What is your favorite book of all time?

It's a tie between The Circle by David Eggers and The Street Lawyer by John Grisham.

What TV or movie character best exemplifies you and why?

I'd say I'm a more down-to-earth Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl – at least, I hope I am! Blair is motivated, loyal to the core and a big risk-taker. I can only dream of her wardrobe, though.

What is your favorite place in Chicago that isn't a typical tourist destination?

Lincoln Park is hands down my favorite place. I could spend all day walking around there! Or Ann Sather's because cinnamon rolls.

Would you rather have the office stocked 24/7 with Starbucks coffee or Garrett's popcorn?

I used to think Starbucks, but then our team got its own coffee pot. I'll go with Garrett's.

The funniest thing to ever happen to you at Walker Sands was?

WS loves BuzzFeed. One time, a colleague sent me an article that made me laugh so hard I needed to leave the room. Hint: it was about waffles.

One thing people wouldn't know about you is?

One time, Harry Styles looked at me.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you live?

London. 25% because of its energy, beauty and history, 75% because of its boy bands.